Nim Chimpsky; Spring is Coming!

I finished a book titled Nim Chimpsky: The Chimp Who Would Be Human by Elizabeth Hess. It’s an interesting book, although I admit to mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, it is a fascinating account of a research project designed to determine if a language is a uniquely human trait, or is something that can be used and understood by a non-human primate. It was initiated by a Columbia University psychologist named Herbert Terrace. Terrace was interested in challenging Noam Chomsky’s contention that language is exclusively human (thus the name of the chimp as Nim Chimpsky, I always did love the pun). Mind you, he was not talking about labeling objects or using sounds to communicate; specifically he argued that syntax, or the use of the order of words to create meaning, is uniquely human.

The book describes the dramatic and often tragic life of a chimpanzee who was taken from what was basically a breeding farm for research primates and sent to well-intentioned people who clearly knew virtually nothing about chimpanzees. Neither did they seem to know much about American Sign Language, which was successfully being used by other researchers (Roger Fouts for example) to communicate with non-human primates.

To say that things often didn’t go well is an understatement. There were a long list of reasons for that, but Terrace himself is clearly part of the problem. (As are all the scientists described in the book, who come across as arrogant and difficult. Heaven knows I’ve met my share of the same, but I am a bit skeptical of some parts of the book, since all the scientists come off poorly and all of the caretakers much better.)

However, I can tell you that there is little disagreement in academia that Terrace’s project was poorly executed. After Nim was passed around from one exhausted caretaker to another, with literally dozens of different trainers who knew little about ASL themselves, Terrace wrote a hugely popular book, Nim. In it he concluded that, contrary to his expectations, chimps could NOT ever learn or use ‘real grammar’ or even understand the simplest concepts of human language.

Critical as it is, I wish that Hess’s book mentioned that Terrace’s conclusions slammed shut the funding for any more ape language studies for years, if not decades. I was at University when it came out, and was going to Animal Behavior Society meetings and listening to the few people trying to continue language studies commiserate that their funding had been pulled because of the book (including Irene Pepperberg with her parrot Alex) . Terrace seemed to take the relatively radical approach that not only was Nim incapable of understanding syntax, but that he didn’t even understand what the words symbolized. He argued that Nim was just mindlessly mimicking. (And yet, when poor Nim was returned to a clearly abusive environment, Terrace suggested that Nim himself be asked if he was happy there…!).

A reviewer on Amazon suggests that it is best to read both Hess’s and Terrace’s book to get the full picture. I agree, and I’d add a suggestion to read Roger Fouts’ book, Next of Kin as well. I wish the book Nim Chimpsky talked a bit more about the what the research was really about, and I wish there was more discussion of the impact of Terrace’s conclusion. But overall, it is a fascinating, compelling (and sad) read, a real page-turner, as well yet another story of how much pain and trouble can be caused by not taking the trouble to learn about a species, much less an individual, before you interact with them.

Meanwhile, back at the farm… Willie and I worked sheep on Saturday and glory be, no limp at all from his bad shoulder. I won’t bore you with the details, but the surgery scheduled for Thursday has been canceled, at least for now. Could it be that chinese herbs, homeopathic medicine and western medicine sans surgery could be enough to cure his shoulder? Cross your paws for us. I am going to continue to monitor him and if necessary, bite the bullet, do an MRI at the Vet School if necessary early in summer and go from there.

Other good news is that it was gloriously warm this weekend. Almost all the snow is gone, and look.. the bulbs are coming up at Redstart Farm!

And here’s Sushi on Jim on the couch in the sun… she thinks this warm, sunny weather is cat heaven.

Comments

I am so happy to hear that Will’s shoulder is doing better and we keep our fingers crossed that it will not require surgery ever. 🙂 One of my adopted dachshunds was run over by a car (before my time…) and he was not able to walk straight. I took him to an osteopath/acupuncturist/holistic vet and now, half a year later he is straight as an arrow and his pain seems to have gone away. Every now and so often he will show signs of it, especially after some rough play, but overall he seems to be feeling just fine now. If that’s the case I give him five arnica globuli (available at Whole Foods Market ) three times a day for three days and that keeps him a happy camper. 🙂 My vet has been a true miracle worker with him.

Your review about Elizabeth Hess’ book left me saddened. It’s often heart breaking, what animals have to endure through mens’ wrongdoings……….. 🙁

That sounds like a truly fascinating book, although sad too. I may have to read it (and then the other two books suggested along with it). It’s really amazing how ego-centric humans are, and how we can do some very cruel things in the name of research.

I’m glad Will is doing better and that the surgery is off for now. That’s wonderful news! I think that a combination of Eastern and Western medicine provides the most comprehensive care for our furry and feathered (and scaled) friends.

I just recently found your blog, and am pleased to have more to read after purchasing several of your books. First, I’d like to thank you– reading For The Love of a Dog is still a very raw experience for me, since losing my Bernese in October, but soothing at the same time. I had a friend tell me she never realized that such experiences were so rare, not until after hers passed away; I was lucky in that I knew from the time my boy was young that he was that “once in a lifetime” bond and was able to appreciate him all the more. Thank you for understanding what that feels like, and putting into words everything I hold inside.

On a lighter note, I had not anticipated ever contacting you as I am sure you’re quite busy, but was sent a video today that I thought you might enjoy. Not sure if this has gone through the herding circles yet– it’s incredibly entertaining, brilliant, and a little baffling as to how anyone has this much time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2FX9rviEhw I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Best wishes~

This is off topic but I just watched this “A pioneer in research on play, Dr. Stuart Brown says humor, games, roughhousing, flirtation and fantasy are more than just fun. Plenty of play in childhood makes for happy, smart adults — and keeping it up can make us smarter at any age.” It starts out with a Polar Bear playing with 2 huskies. How cool!

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About the Author

Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, CAAB is an applied animal behaviorist who has been working with, studying, and writing about dogs for over twenty-five years. She encourages your participation, believing that your voice adds greatly to its value. She enjoys reading every comment, and adds her own responses when she can.

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Patricia is known the world over for her clear and engaging books and DVDs on dog training and canine behavior problems. You can also “meet” Patricia in person on her seminar DVDs, from The Art & Science of Canine Behavior to Treating Dog-Dog Reactivity.